Paphiopedilums,
the lady's-slipper orchids, originate in the jungles of the Far East including Indonesia.
They are semi-terrestrial, growing in humus and other material on the forest
floor, on cliffs in pockets of humus and occasionally in trees. They are easy
to grow in the home, under lights or in the greenhouse.

LIGHT is easier to
provide for Paphiopedilums than many other types of
orchids. They require shady conditions, as in the home in an east or west
window, or near a shaded south window. In the greenhouse, shade must be
provided. Give about 1,000 to 1,500 foot-candles in general for mottled leaf
types or 1,500 to 3,000 for green leaf types. In the home, fluo­rescent
lighting is excellent; suspend two or four tubes 4 to 8 inches above the
leaves.

TEMPERATURES for
Paphiopedilums cover a considerable range. Paphioped­ilums are traditionally separated into two
groups: the warm-growing mottled-leaved types and the cool-growing green-leaved
types. A third, increasingly popular group is the warmer-growing strap-leaved
multi-floral Paphiopedilums. Warm-growing types
should be kept at '60 to 65 F during the night, and 75 to 85 F or more during
the day. Cool-growing types should be kept at 50 to 60 F during the night and
75 to 80 F during the day. However, many growers raise all plants in the same
tem­perature range with excellent results. The plants can stand night
temperatures in the 40s if necessary (as when grown outside in mild climates),
as well as temperatures to 95 F.Care
must be taken to protect the plants from rot when cold (keep humidity low, and
avoid moisture on leaves or in the crowns of the plants), and also to protect
from burning when hot (shade more heavily and increase humidity and air
movement around the plants).

WATER must be available at theroots constantly, because all plants in
this genus have no pseudobulbs. All of these plants
need a moist medium - never soggy, but never dry. Water two
to three times a week in our dry winters.Use high quality water as plants have low
tolerance to salts .

HUMIDITY forPaphiopedilums should be
moderate, between 40 and 50 percent, which can be maintained in the home by
setting the plants on humidity trays. In a greenhouse, average humidity is
sufficient. Using an evaporative cooling system in warm climates can increase
the humidity. Air movement is essential, especially when humidity is high.

FERTILIZE on a regular schedule, but care must be taken to avoid burning of the
fleshy, hairy roots. Nitrate based fertilizers are recommended. In warm
weather, use one-quarter teaspoon per gal every other watering. It's important
to flush with clear water monthly to leach excess fertilizer, which can burn
roots. In cool weather, fertilizer appli­cations once a month are sufficient.

P0TTINGshould be doneabout
every year to a maximum oftwo years, or as the medium decomposes. Seedlings and smaller
plants are often repotted annually. Mixes vary tremendous­ly; most are fine- or
medium-grade fir bark or coconut, with varying additives, such as per­lite
(sponge rock), coarse sand and/or humus. Moisture retention with excellent
drainage is needed. Large plants can be divided by pulling or cutting the fans
of the leaves apart, into clumps of three to five growths. Smaller divisions
will grow, but may not flower. Spread the roots over a small amount of medium
in the bottom of the pot and fill with medium, so that the junction of roots
and stem is buried 1/2 inch deep in the center of the pot.
Do not over pot; an average plant should have a 4-to 6-inch pot.